Chad ruler Deby says unity govt 'in next few days'

Chad's ruler Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said a "government of national union" would be created in the coming days to steer the course toward new elections following a forum on the country's future.

The government "will put its heart and soul into ensuring that the will of the Chadian people is fully upheld," said Deby at ceremonies where he was appointed "transitional president".

Chad, one of the world's poorest countries, has endured repeated uprisings and unrest since gaining independence from France in 1960.

Deby, a 38-year-old five-star general, took the helm in April 2021 after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled with an iron fist for three decades, was killed during an operation against rebels.

Parliament was dissolved and the constitution suspended as Deby was proclaimed president.

He headed a junta of 15 generals whose declared plan was to hand over power after 18 months -- a period that without extension would have ended this month.

Deby then organised a "national inclusive dialogue" that he said would chart the country's return to civilian rule.

It wound up after endorsing a further two-year period leading to elections during which Deby would become "transitional president" and be allowed to stand as a candidate in the future polls. 

The conference opened on August 20 after repeated delays but was boycotted by the main political opposition and two out of the three biggest armed rebel groups.